Caledon Celebrates Twenty Years With Anniversary Ball

 

 A few days ago, the Second Life community of Caledon celebrated a milestone anniversary: it's twentith. On Thursday February 26, there was a Founders Ball.

 

 Tonight marks our 20th year since Desmond Shang founded Caledon.  Join us in a lovely new ballroom as we celebrate 2 decades of our wonderful nation.  Show your spirit with Caledon colors, formal wear especially welcome.  Music begins at 6:30pm SLT

 

Yours truly was able to drop in late in the event, just in time to see Desmond Shang, the founder of Caledon and it's former "Guvnah," tell everyone good night, "can hardly believe we lasted this long. ... Thanks for keeping this place going, Neo. means a lot to me." People raised a glass to the past and current leader, "It's lovely to have you both here, Des and Neo." NeoBokrug Elytis smiled, "The good and the bad are the sum of who we are, I'd have it no other way."

 

As the event went on, people reminisced about the times they had, "I was just thinking where I have been 20 years back in my life. I just had lost a job, met again with my crush and visiting her family." "I remember when Des first announced Caledon in the old SL forums." Someone would find it: (link, "The old SL forums are so badly broken now and it's difficult to find anything on them."

 

A couple times, the Caledon anthem played, which got comments from the crowd, "Dougie McLean's greatest song," "So angelic," "Gives me shivers every time I hear this." 

 

Andrea Jones would post some pictures of the ball on her Flickr , "I hope I got everyone's picture."

 

There would be further events two days later on Saturday, but the ball was the key event.  

 

"And happy anniversary again, Caledon! Here's to many more years!" 

 

Bixyl Shuftan

 

Second Life Coast Guard 20th Anniversary Celebration

 

 This weekend, the Second Life Coast Guard is throwing it's 20th Anniversary celebration.

 

Join the Second Life Coast Guard (SLCG) as they celebrate 20 years of excellence in virtual maritime service, training, and community engagement. This milestone weekend is packed with live entertainment, thrilling demonstrations, a silent auction benefiting Relay For Life, and immersive experiences that showcase the heart and history of one of Second Life’s most respected roleplay organizations. Highlights include boat and air showcases, training center demos, and performances from August 22–24. 

 

 The events today are schedules as follows:

 

9:00        Recruit Training Center blimp flyby             
                        
10:00        Sail Training Center "Sea Eagle"               
                        
11:00        Live Singer    Quartz       
                        
12:00        Live Singer    Amberle    
                        
13:00        Music    DJ Jax     
                        
14:00        Music    DJ Judith     
                       
15:00        Music    DJ Farryn    

 

 http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Farcastle/94/159/22

Annoucement: T1 Radio 20th Anniversary Party Sunday June 29

 

T1RADIO CELEBRATES TWO DECADES ON AIR
Second Life’s First and Oldest Classic Rock Stream Turns 20
With A L$20,000 Loyal Listener Contest!

When Trader Whiplash learned of the plans to close La Vie en Rose and take Radio dAlliez off the air on June 18, 2005, he decided Second Life needed the venue to remain open. The manager of Alliez Mysterio’s club, located on Rue d’Alliez (one of the first private regions in SL), Trader, who was also head DJ and program manager for Radio dAlliez, decided to bring his own stream, T1Radio, on air full time and keep the club open.  Along with Nuala Maracas and later Madelyn Majestic they continued to provide an alternative to the electronic club mix music prevalent in Second Life’s earliest days.

T1Radio would grow into one of the best-known music streams in Second Life. T1 also became the sound of Relay For Life (from 2006 to 2024), the Spoonful Of Sugar Festival and several other mega-events.  Affectionately known as ‘The T’, it operates from LEGENDS Classic Rock in Arinultra Cay. (Itself one of the oldest continuously operated venues on the grid.)

To celebrate the milestone anniversary T1will be holding a Homecoming Party on Sunday June 29th. T1Radio listeners are invited to attend the event at LEGENDS and to bring their oldest snapshot or texture of themselves at a T1Radio event. The attendee who provides the OLDEST photo will win $L20,000.

To enter the contest simply find your oldest photo of yourself at La Vie en Rose, The Warehouse or Chaps, LEGENDS or any other T1 locales in Rue d’Alliez or Arinultra Cay or other T1Radio event. Take a Gyazo of the picture including the data found at the top, showing the SLURL and DATE and the “Properties” menu from Inventory. The picture must include your avatar and an easily identifiable T1Radio venue feature, signage or logo. Information on how to submit the Gyazo will be provided at the Party. You Must attend the event on June 29th to enter and be present at the time of the winner announcement to win.

Today, T1Radio continues to run 24/7, providing a music mix of Classic Rock, blues, pop, modern country and more. The On-Air Staff of Trader, Nuala, Madelyn Majestic, Fuzzball Ortega and Anni Braveheart host dance events each evening from 5pm to 7pm at LEGENDS in Arinultra Cay. You can also listen to the T by placing our stream URL, http://T1Radio.serverroom.us:8242/stream , on your SL property or in your browser, phone, smart speaker or other internet connected device.

  Trader and Nuala and the entire air and production staff at T1Radio look forward to seeing all our friends, old as well as new, as we celebrate our 20th anniversary! We are sure there will be some great stories and reminiscences to share!
 

The SL20B Sims And Exhibits Come Down

 

 

 Officially, the Second Life Birthday is over. The official events ended on July 2, and the sims were supposed to close to the general public on Sunday July 16. Monday and Tuesday were supposed to be "takedown days" with access limited to exhibitors, and of course to the Lindens and Moles. Though on Monday I was able to get an alt over. 

On Tuesday July 18, just six sims were registering as still on the map, SLB Alluring, Breathtaking, Delightful, Electrify, Incredible, and Triumphant. I never could get to SLB Fantasy, where the Newser's exhibit has been. Later on, Squeaky Mole would say all the sims would be back open to exhibitors for another 48 hours, extending the takedown to Thursday July 20.

 

 

Some exhibits in these sims were still up, like that of Caledon's Catgirl Brigade Quest.

Others were gone, no telling if they were taken down Monday or just earlier. 

The Second Life Birthday was closed to chat, but there was plenty in the Second Life Birthday Exhibitors group. "It's been a great experience and I learned so much from other more experienced builders, you all have been so nice <3 thank you." "*tear in my eye, waves farewell to my parcel*" "Thanks everyone! It's been fun! See you next year!" "A fabulous SL birthday bash!    Goodbye from the International Spaceflight Museum.  You're all welcome to come see our full exhibits anytime." "Thank you to all the organizers and participants! See you next year."

And so, the sun sets on another Second Life Birthday, this time "the big two-oh." No doubt it will be talked about for a while, and we'll be doing another article or two about it. But the "busy time" for us at the SL Newser that's lasted since late May is coming to a close for us as our focus goes from the Relay Weekend and the SL20B to other events. 

It was busy fun, but it's coming time to say goodbye.

Bixyl Shuftan

Reader Submitted Guide For The SL20B Hunt

 

Kamida Delec made a SL20B Gift Hunt Guide for friends. With this being the last day the sims are open at the Second Life Birthday, here it is.

 

 1 round and round she goes. Stop at the top for some awesome ohhhs

First Gift: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/SLB%20Awesome/123/148/118

2 Lights of sky brighten your route. Go in and down and come back out.

Second Gift: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/SLB%20Stunning/152/128/25

3 In the place where Lindens meet. Hold your breath in the murky deep.

Third Gift: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/SLB%20Fascinate/23/128/14

4 Don't leaf after the show is done. Go backstage for some amazing fun.

Fourth Gift: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/SLB%20Amaze/226/31/38

5 Four gifts you now have because of these rhymes. This year has really had some impressive times.

Fifth Gift: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/SLB%20Impressive/161/137/237

SL20B - Hunt HUD v1.0 [Add Me]: Congratulations! You have now collected all the SL20B gifts!

 

SL Video: "Live from SL20B Part #2"

 

 

 (click here if the video does not play)

 

 From Draxtor Despres on July 10, "Another impromptu walk and talk with Sjyla, "Draxtor goes around walking around the Second Life Twentieth Birthday grounds with Shyla (KriJon).

SL Video: "Live from SL20B Part #1"

 

 

 (click here if the video does not play)

 

 From Draxtor Despres on July 4, "A little impromptu walk with Shyla." Draxtor goes around walking around the Second Life Twentieth Birthday grounds with Shyla (KriJon) and others, seeing exhibits such as the Giant Snail Races, Teegle, Moya, and more (Warning, some adult language).

SL20B Official Guide And Magazine

 

 

 For the Second Life Twentieth Birthday, Linden Lab issued an "Official Guide and Magazine" (link). One can download it, or thumb through on their webbrowser. 

 

"Through its vibrant pages, this commemorative magazine dives into the rich history of the virtual world of Second Life, unraveling two decades of innovation, creativity, and community building. Hear from the founder, executive team, pioneering designers, and creative Residents about the history and future of Second Life. Whether you're a long-standing resident or a curious newcomer, it is an invaluable keepsake and source of inspiration, serving as both a nostalgic tribute and an exciting glimpse into the limitless possibilities of our virtual world."

 

https://issuu.com/secondlifeofficial/docs/sl20bguide

 

The Second Life Twentith Birthday Begins

 

After weeks of preparation, the Second Life Twentieth Birthday celebrations, or SL20B, are finally here.

 

 

The view on the map wasn't perfect, showing old sims and duplicate ones. But one can get a general idea of where the places are by the sim names. .

The main area is made up of twenty sims (one for each year SL has been around). Most are the eighteen general-audience exhibition sims: SLB Beguile, SLB Blissful, SLB Breathtaking, SLB Celabrate, SLB Delightful, SLB Electrify, SLB Enchant, SLB Fabulous, SLB Fantasy, SLB Glamourous, SLB Incredible, SLB Irresistable, SLB Marvelous, SLB Outgoing, SLB Sparkle, SLB Spectacular, SLB Stupendous, and SLB Triumphant. There are two sims there with not exhibits, but infrastructure of some kind: SLB Awesome and SLB Mgnificent.

East of the main area are the four adult-rated exhibition sims: SLB Alluring, SLB Daring, SLB Euphoric, and SLB Irresistable.

Just north of the main area are eight more SLB sims in two groups. The group to the left are the four that make up the Mandala Stage: SLB Amaze, SLB Astonish, SLB Astound, and SLB Imagination. To the right are the four that make up the Town Hall area for the Lab Gab sessions: SLB Dazzle, SLB Fascinate, SLB Exhilarate, snd SLB Wondrous.

 

 

There's plenty of streets one can walk down.

Among the many exhibits there is the one of the Second Life Newser, built by the talented Silvia Ametza, representing a science and exploration base on Jupiter's moon Europa, on and underneath the ice. It's located at SLB Fantasy (104/34/24).

 

 The exhibits are open to the general public at 10AM today. There will be numerous Music Fest events, but the main event is the Opening Ceremony at the Mandala Stage, at 12 Noon SL time, conducted by Patch Linden. One can head there at SLB Astound (118/135/23), or one can listen to it live on the Second Life Youtube channel.

 

Be sure to also check out the SL20B Shop and Hop (described in more detail in another article).

 

Bixyl Shuftan

The Newser Is Officially In The SL20B

 

 

 The sims at the Second Life Birthday grounds, at least those for exhibits, are now open to exhibitors. Among them was the Second Life Newser, whose exhibit is being built by the talented Silvia Ametza. Instead of everyone being notified individually, exhibitors were send a spreadsheet with our locations. Ours is in the SLB Fantasy sim.

So here's our traditional "placeholder" picture, a large version of the editor's hat on the ground (or us "throwing our hat in the ring" to use an old expression). If it seems smaller than usual, Silvia had started work right away. We can't show any sneak peeks of the build once it's on the sim, nor of anyone else's exhibit even with their okay, the Lab asking us to keep things under wraps. So this will be the sole picture of the celebration grounds, at least until the day before the SL20B starts.

The SL20B goes on from Thursday June 22 to Tuesday July 11.

 

Bixyl Shuftan

SL20B Update

 

 

 It's less than a month until the Second Life Twentieth Birthday celebrations. On the map, a search for sims with SLB in their name turned up this collection of regions, far south of the main group of the Grod's sims.

There was no one single landmass of SLB sims, but they were in several groups, the largest sixteen in size. While there will be a separate area for the adult-rated sims, there were none that I saw which had that rating. And the SL19B symbol was still on the map. So clearly, more work on the sims is forthcoming.

 

As for the exhibitors, on May 26, those still in the Second Life Birthday Exhibitors group from last year, at least those who were still there, got the following message from Missy Mole:

 

If you are still in this group then you have applied and been accepted to build an exhibit for SL20B. Congratulations! We are just about finished setting up the regions for you to come in and start building. Information about your parcel size and location will follow over the weekend. It is safe to say that 99% of you received the parcel size you requested.

 

But unlike most years, setting up the exhibits will not be happening in May. On May 30, Missy Mole had another message.

... I almost have the parcels all assigned for those of you that filled in the acceptance form. I was hoping to have the regions open today but I am going to say we will be open by June 1 now. I know people are very anxious to get onto the regions and start building but you will still have two full weeks to finish the exhibits. I'm sorry for the delays but hopefully everything will be perfect when you get onto your parcels 

Stay tuned for more information

Bixyl Shuftan

A Few More Days To Sign Up For The SL20B

 

For those interested in signing up for the Second Life Birthday celebrations, your time is running out.  Those wanting to be performers, exhibitors, and general staff volunteers have only until Sunday May 14 to sign up. After that, you'll have to wait another year. Those merchants interested in signing up for the Shop and Hop also have until May 14.

For details on performers, Click Here.

For details on exhibitors and volunteers, Click Here. 

EOTB: Applications For SL20B Exhibitors And Volunteers Now Being Accepted, Adult-Rated and Multiple Exhibits An Option

 

 

 For those looking to have an exhibit in the upcoming Second Life Birthday, or want to be one of the volunteer staff, now's your chance. Yesterday on Monday April 3, Linden Lab announced they were accepting applications for exhibitors and volunteers for the SL20B.

This year’s Birthday theme is Our Fantastic Future. The cornerstone of this idea is what we would define as eco-futurism including sustainability, a focus on our environment, and the next generation of our world. Some might call this science fiction, but what is science fiction except a dream for a possible future? In Second Life we build worlds. Our worlds, our way. For SL20B, we invite you to show us your worlds of the future!

This year, exhibitors have several options that were not available before. For the first time ever, exhibitors will be able to have adult-rated themed displays. They can also have multiple exhibits, being able to bring one from a previous SLB back again. They can also have an exhibit whose theme is of something about Second Life's history. And there are now three categories of parcel sizes instead of two.

There are a few things to be aware of for this very special twentieth birthday celebration of Second Life. 

1. We will have Adult content exhibit regions for the first time this year!

2. We are offering LARGE parcels. They are 4096 plots with 1872LI allottments. 

3. You can have MULTIPLE exhibits! Have a favorite exhibit (or many) from the last nineteen Birthday celebrations? Bring it AND design a completely new exhibit for this year as well! Please fill out an application for each exhibit idea.

4. Birthday Reboots is an exhibit category focused on a second viewing of a favorite exhibit from a past SLB.

5. Second Life History is an exhibit category focused on sharing highlights of Second Life's past twenty years.

 

It should be noted that the adult-rated SL20B regions, or region, will be located separately away from the rest of the SLB sims (presumably to keep underage residents from panning around to see them).

 

To apply to be an SL20B exhibitor, one needs to fill out an application on Google doc (here). If you want a water parcel or a medium or large parcel, you will need to explain why. As before, applying does not guarantee a parcel, and there are a limited amount of spaces (and likely more people applying as this is a key anniversary). Commercial exhibits are prohibited (a store or merchant can have an exhibit built, but the commercial activities will be limited to the Shop and Hop that will be going on at the time), and political & hateful themes are prohibited. And once a parcel is set, do not expect to be able to have it moved on request. Any questions can be brought to a Mole coordinator, but the Moles have the final say on exhibits.

 

For those interested in being part of the volunteer staff, fill out this Google-doc (here). Volunteers are asked to post which times they are available to work, what type of body their avatar is (for custom-made volunteer shirts), and what positions they're interested it. It is to be understood that volunteers are expected to be helpful and courteous, and will not get paid (other than the shirt).

Like SL20B performers, exhibitors and volunteers have until May 14th to apply (those applying to be part of the Music Fest have until April 9, a few days from now). The SL20B lasts from June 22 to July 11. 

For more information, check the official blog.

Bixyl Shuftan

"The First Nickel" - First Textured Object Twenty Years Old

 

Late last month was the 20th anniversary of the rezzing of Second Life's oldest prim. But as we all know, building doesn't stop with prims as they need to be shaped and textured. And it was twenty years ago today, February 11 2002, that the first known finished object, known as "The First Nickel," came to be.

There are two copies of the nickle known to the Newser, both owned by Marianne McCann, who got it from James Linden. One is at the grounds of the Ivory Tower of Prims in Natoma at (233/159/26). The other is at the Bay City Community Center in Daley Bay at (225/51/25). 

"Avi was kind enough to allow me to share it there, which I deeply appreciate," Marianne told the Newser, "The Bay City location was one I always have considered 'temporary,' but then it's been temporary for a couple years now. (smile).

"I had approached Avi (Arrow) about displaying it in Natoma a couple years back, figuring it may be a good, neutral and public location for such an artifact, given some of the other items in the region (the Man, the Ivory Tower), but we could not agree to a location. She had suggesting putting it on Philip's Hill right next to the Man, but I didn't want to diminish the importance of the Man! She eventually offered the spot under the Arch d Linden Grande, with a number of other displays, and that seemed both visible, but not overwhelming the importance of other objects."
 
Happy anniversary

Bixyl Shuftan
 

"It All Starts With A Prim" - Oldest Known Prim Rezzed 20 Years Ago

 

So how old is the oldest known prim in Second Life? While the world officially went online on June 23 2003, 18 years ago, people were here when it was in beta, so some objects are known to be from early 2003 or even late 2002. But what about January 25, 2002, twenty years ago yesterday?

Yesterday I found out this oldest known prim (to be technical, a copy of, but it retains the creation date) was on display at the Ivory Tower of Prims sandbox, courtesy of SarahKB7 Koskinen. It was a safe that when clicked on, the door opened to show the prim. And when examined, it showed the date: Friday January 25, 2002, 8:46 PM. Twenty years old.

There was no creator listed, as it had been made before Second Life's tools could show who made objects. According to Inara Pey, it was an Avi Bar-Zeev who not only rezzed it, but was the creator of prims. Talking to Philip Rosedale in Second Life's early days, Philip was trying to figure out how to make them, and Zeev offered to, "wrote a couple of hundred lines of code to make all the primitives in the world, with various knobs and capabilities to stick them together."

The safe is no longer at the Ivory Tower sandbox, the item being returned at Midnight. But later, to commemorate the Prim's creation,  SarahKB7 headed to Da Boom, the oldest sim on the Grid, and exactly at 8:46PM rezzed the original prim, then a brand new one over it, "The 2 prims are exactly 20 years of age apart.  I will call my newer prim the +20 Prim!"

Happy anniversary to the Prim, and thank you Avi Bar-Zeev.

Addition: Sarah would later message me, saying I made a slight mistake with the phrase "It all starts with a prim," saying, "the actual correct phrase has always been 'It all starts with a cube' (smile)."

Source: Modem World  

Hat tip: Tantari Kim

Bixyl Shuftan
 

Panda Jenn's Pad, Rebooted

Remember Panda Jenn's Pad, which was written about last year? Sadly, it was taken down after the owner of the land left Second Life. But Panda Jenn (PandaJenn0 Resident) recently told me the venue is back. This time, it's high over the Zeta Valley sim.

Like before, it's meant to be a comfortable hangout. As when it was first around, one can listen to the music, as well as dance away to it with a friend, or with one or two bot dancers who are sometimes there. But there have been some video games added. One can also order a drink from Deadpool at the bar. And there's the artwork of Jenn's. She's added many more of her pictures.

Jenn also told me a special party is being planned for the 20th anniversary of the character Panda Jenn. It's scheduled for Saturday February 20 between 6 and 9PM.

Jenn, Jennifer Carnivele in real life, is known for her online comic "Simply Panda Jenn," and for her artwork, which one can find on her Fur Affinity and Deviant Art pages.

https://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Zeta%20Valley/194/123/3201

Bixyl Shuftan

Ultima Online Turns Twenty Years Old

Massive Multiplayer Online Games have been around for ages, but some might be surprised to hear that the first game that most would recognize as an MMO was released twenty years ago this week. Before World of Warcraft, before Everquest, there was Ultima Online. designed as a spinoff of the already years old "Ultima " series of games and partially as an experiment in gaming, "UO" would become much more successful than anticipated. Although later outclassed by later games in the genre it started, Ultima Online is still around today, it's fans celebrating it's anniversary with a new questline arc.

Read the story in Other Grids, MMOs, and Games.